5 SAFE EXERCISE FOR PATIENTS WITH HEART DISEASE

Developing an exercise regime while treating heart disease is vital. This is because it helps strengthen the cardiovascular muscles and minimizes further artery damage caused by high cholesterol and blood pressure.

Exercise is also necessary to control weight, which is a risk factor for health disease.

However, it can be scary to start exercising after a heart failure, especially if you experience shortness of breath or chest pain. Hence, it is important to consult with a specialist cardiologist in Dubai before starting any new exercise routine.

At the same time, here are 5 generally safe exercises for patients with heart disease.

1. Brisk Walking

Walking is a simple yet powerful exercise, that requires no special equipment or tools to get started. A brisk walk will improve circulation, fill your breath with oxygen, and help control blood pressure.

Most doctors and cardiologists recommend at least 150 minutes of walking per week. This can be in the form of a 30-minute early morning walk, treadmill exercise, or walking in a park or mall.

2. Stretching

Stretching exercises are also great for musculoskeletal health. They are also perfect as warm up exercises before any aerobic or resistance training. This is because stretches prep the muscles and prevent strains or injuries.

All doctors, trainers, and heart specialists recommend taking 5-10 minutes to stretch before engaging in any exercise. This is especially important for heart patients, to prevent further pains or injuries.

3. Aerobic Exercise

Aerobic exercise is any type of cardiovascular conditioning. It includes cycling, swimming, hiking, jogging, skipping, and dancing. These types of exercises, which are commonly referred to as “cardio” are critical for heart health. It improves blood circulation, reduces blood pressure, and controls heart rate.

Once again, doctors and heart specialists recommend at least 150 minutes of aerobic exercise per week. You can switch up the types of aerobic exercise as you please. For example, you can implement a swimming and bicycling routine.

4. Resistance Training

Resistance training has a more specific effect on body composition, so it is ideal for heart patients looking to control or reduce their weight. It reduces fat and create leaner muscle mass. Cardiologists in Dubai suggest that a combination of aerobic exercise and resistance work may help raise HDL (good) cholesterol and lower LDL (bad) cholesterol.

This type of exercise is recommended twice a week, on non-consecutive days. This includes weight training, using resistance bands, chin-ups, squats, and push-ups.

5. Yoga

Yoga is a type of stretching and balance exercise that facilitates better musculoskeletal health. Moreover, it is a great form of exercise for heart patients suffering from stress-related hypertension and heart disease. It also improves breathing and facilitates healthier lung and heart function.

Your cardiologist may recommend some yoga exercises to incorporate into your daily exercise routine, but a daily 15-minute session is good to start with. Alternatively, you can join a local yoga class in your community.

These are the best, and most safe exercises for patients with heart disease. Keep in mind that it is important to consult with your physician and heart specialist in Dubai before introducing any new exercises into your routine.

Warning Symptoms to Stop Exercising

While you are exercises, stop immediately and seek medical help from your specialist cardiologist in Dubai if you experience any of the following warning symptoms:

• Becoming overly fatigued or short of breath
• Stop the activity if you develop a rapid or irregular heartbeat or have heart palpitations. Check your pulse after you have rested for 15 minutes. If it’s above 120 beats per minute at rest, call your doctor.
• Chest pain or pain anywhere in the body
• Passing out or fainting
• Sudden dizziness or lightheadedness
• Irregular heartbeat or pulse
• Persistent shortness of breath
• If you are not feeling well or were very recently ill. Wait a few days after all symptoms disappear before restarting the exercise program

In any of the above cases, immediately stop the exercise, take rest, and contact your doctor or specialist cardiologist in Dubai.

Moreover, be sure to stay hydrated throughout your exercise routine, and be careful not to over-exert yourself.

Where to Find the Best Heart Hospital in Dubai?

German Heart Centre is the best heart hospital in Dubai. We specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, maintenance, and prevention of various cardiovascular conditions. For the best cardiologist in Dubai, visit Professor Dr. Uwe Klima, Dr. Gehad El Gergawy, Dr. Byron Kalliatakis, Dr. Laure Bruchou, Dr. Caspar A Boerner or Dr. Beate Wild at the German Heart Centre. Our team of specialist heart specialists in the UAE can help you find the right exercise routine for your cardiovascular health. Contact us to book an appointment now.